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This month we’re talking to you, men.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and we welcome this opportunity to spread the word, clear up misconceptions, and arm you with the knowledge you need. To start with, you probably know that prostate cancer is common. But just how common is it? 

It’s estimated that over 268,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Broken down, that’s about 734 new cases per day. And a shocking 1 in 8 men will likely develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. While that is alarming, there is a bright side with prostate cancer.

While prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the US for men, it maintains a high survival rate. In fact, the 5-year survival rate for men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer is greater than 99%. Plus, prostate cancer only accounts for around 5% of all cancer deaths.

While that is comforting news, the fact remains that prostate cancer is a serious diagnosis that is deadly for some. Current estimates show that 94 US men die from prostate cancer every day.

As a man, what can you do in light of the high risk of developing prostate cancer? 

• Improve your diet

  • Eat fewer trans and saturated fats. Did you know that countries with lower trans and saturated fat consumption have lower prostate cancer rates?
  • Increase your intake of produce, focusing on tomato and tomato products which have been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer
  • Studies show that soy products can lower PSA levels, so try to incorporate some edamame, soy milk, or tofu into your diet
  • Add a vitamin D supplement, as it can help protect against skin cancer
  • Avoid eating the charred parts of grilled meat, which contain carcinogens that may cause cancer

• Get screened regularly

  • Many men who show no signs or symptoms of prostate cancer discover a diagnosis thanks to routine screening
  • It’s estimated that for every 1000 men who are screened for prostate cancer, 3 men will prevent a cancer development, and at least one 1 death will be prevented
  • Prostate cancer screening involves a simple blood test with very few complications

• Be informed

  • As with any medical procedure or test, there are some risks associated with getting screened for prostate cancer
  • There are risks for false positives and false negatives with any medical test, including those meant to detect PSA levels
  • Other things can cause a raised PSA level including going for a long bike ride, sexual activity, a UTI, and a naturally larger prostate size

We are ready and available to perform Arizona PSA tests here at Fountain Hills Medical Center. We are also ready to answer questions you have about your individual risk, how to lower your risk, how to ensure the most accurate test result possible, and how to treat prostate cancer if you have been diagnosed. As your source for Fountain Hills medical care that’s close to home, we’re your one-stop center for preventative medicine, illness/injury treatment, and care for after treatment. Let us help you be informed, and be healthy.

Sources: 

• Seer.cancer.gov
• Cancer.net
• Pcf.org
• Hopkinsmedicine.org
• CDC.gov
• Mayoclinic.org